UCLan officials given tour of £200m transformation progress

An honorary fellow of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and several university representatives have been given a tour of the Preston campus, where demolition work is now fully underway on the initial phase of UCLan’s £200m transformation.

Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines, the widow of Sir George Grenfell-Baines, who established BDP Architects in Preston, was given a first-hand look at the progress made so far on UCLan’s decade-long Campus Masterplan mission.

She commented: “I think UCLan’s Masterplan is amazing and I’m thrilled that BDP Architects is involved.

“Preston is finally starting to look like a city and these developments will make a tremendous difference that will benefit everyone – not just students but those people living and working in Preston too.”

In recent weeks, workers have focused on demolishing the Fylde Building to make way for a multi-million pound student support facility.

The chair of the university’s board, David Taylor, said: “It’s incredible how 12 months ago this hadn’t been talked about and yet 12 months on, work is well underway on demolishing this building.

“The Campus Masterplan is going to be fantastic, not only for the university but for the city too.”

David added: “Now we’re looking ahead to the next major stage of the project, the construction of the £30m plus Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) which is due to begin in early 2016.”

The scheme will also see the nearby Adelphi roundabout remodelled with a new public square. UCLan’s long-term vision with the project is to stimulate regeneration and business investment in Preston’s university quarter.

Michael Ahern, Chief Operating Officer at UCLan, said: “This is probably the biggest investment Preston has seen and it will transform the city and the university campus.

“It’s designed to be accessible and usable by both the University and local people, and the design has been created in consultation with community groups. It’s a true collaboration between the City and the University.”

Bradley Demolition, which is based in the city, was appointed in August to demolish the Fylde Building.

Josie Linsel, the president of the Students’ Union, said: “It’s an unbelievable scheme and there’s lots of excitement from students.

“Even though the Masterplan may not benefit those of us currently studying, it feels great to be part of something that’s going to be so big for Preston.”

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